From birth to early adulthood, kids need a diet rich in vitamins and minerals for healthy growth. One essential nutrient that builds strong bodies and brains is iron.
Children need a steady supply of iron as they grow, especially during periods of rapid growth like infancy and adolescence.Without enough iron, young bodies have trouble making enough red blood cells, which in turn carry oxygen to every part of the body. This can leave them feeling cranky, tired and weak. Their skin may fade to a pale, dull or ashy shade. They may become more likely to struggle in school and act up at home.
Iron deficiency is a common condition in children that, if not treated, can progress to iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). Here’s what parents need to know about the condition, including the latest
guidance on screening, prevention and treatment.
Why growing bodies need more iron at specific times
Many parents assume that low iron levels come from not eating right, especially in kids who are picky eaters. But growth cycles play a big role too.
Periods of very fast growth—such as during a baby’s first year—demand lots of iron. This might be why at least 15% of toddlers in the U.S. show signs of iron deficiency. Other events in childhood that can deplete iron supplies include:
- Growth spurts, which can continue from early childhood into the late teen years
- Monthly periods (menstruation) in tween and teen females
When low iron becomes iron-deficiency anemia
When iron levels stay low over time, iron deficiency can progress to iron-deficiency anemia (IDA).
Common symptoms of iron deficiency and anemia in kids
Pale, yellowish or ashy skin
Faded cheeks, lips, nail beds and eyelids
Low or irritable mood
Mild muscle weakness
Feeling tired or needing naps more often
Craving or chewing nonfood items (called pica), such as ice, dirt or paper
Signs of more severe anemia
Severe IDA can also cause:
Health issues that increase risk for anemia
Not all cases and types of anemia result from diet or growth-related changes in a child’s body. For example:
- Some kids have health conditions that destroy red blood cells, such as sickle-cell anemia.
- Regular blood loss can also lead to anemia in kids and teens. This includes menstruation—more than 1 in 10 adolescent females who have periods show signs of iron deficiency—as well as conditions like inflammatory bowel disease that can cause slow, ongoing bleeding. Some bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, may also increase the risk of iron deficiency.
How iron deficiency can affect brain development and behavior
Iron is critical for brain development, especially in early life. Low iron levels have been linked to delays in cognitive development, learning and attention difficulties and behavioral concerns, which can interfere with progress at school. This is why doctors, school officials and parents need to team up to identify iron deficiencies early and treat them right away.
Preventing iron deficiency at key ages and stages
Iron deficiency and IDA can be prevented with a few straightforward steps. Knowing what to do and when can protect your child from IDA.
Newborns to toddlers
Delayed umbilical cord clamping. Studies show that waiting 30 to 60 seconds longer to clamp off a newborn’s umbilical cord allows more iron-rich placental blood to pass from the birth parent to the baby.
Iron supplements can benefit babies for preterm (preemies) starting about 2 weeks after birth. Breast-fed babies can also benefit from iron supplements starting around 6 months. Even though breast milk is the healthiest food for infants, it may not provide all the iron that little ones need, especially in the first year of life.
Adding iron-rich foods to a baby’s diet at about 6 months gives little ones the extra iron needed to support early growth.
Do not give your baby cow's milk until they are over 12 months old, since it can cause blood loss in the stool and decrease iron absorption in the gut at this age. After their first birthday, limit your child to no more than 24 ounces of milk a day. Milk is low in iron and can make children feel full, which can decrease the amount of other iron-rich foods they eat.
Babies and toddlers should be screened for iron deficiencies starting at about 9 to 12 months for babies that mostly consume breast milk and 15 to 18 months for babies who mostly consume infant formula. (Infant formula is typically enriched with iron.)
School-age kids to teens
Adolescents who have monthly menstrual periods should be screened for iron deficiencies within a year of getting their period, but no later than 14 years old.
Pediatricians, family doctors, teachers, coaches and parents should keep an eye out for signs of iron deficiency in kids and teens. Symptoms should prompt screening and treatment before low iron levels turn into IDA.
Iron-rich foods for kids and families
Multivitamins and iron supplements are useful, especially when a child shows signs of iron deficiency or IDA. But when it comes to keeping iron levels high, growing bodies can benefit even more from food-based sources.
Examples of iron-rich foods to consider working into your family's diet:
Seafoods such as clams, oysters and sardines
Lean beef, lamb and dark-meat turkey
Eggs from chickens or ducks
Lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, tofu and tempeh
Pumpkin, sesame and hemp seeds
Spinach, kale, broccoli and swiss chard
Quinoa, iron-fortified cereals and snack bars
Raisins, apricots and other dried fruits
Simple, effective care for iron deficiencies and IDA
If your child is diagnosed with low iron or even IDA, try not to worry! This is one health problem that is usually easy to solve.
Your child’s doctor will likely prescribe a once-daily iron supplement that can be taken by mouth. In most cases, this extra boost of iron is all kids and teens need to recover. Of course, it’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions fully and finish all medication unless you hear otherwise. You may also receive dietary tips to help keep iron levels healthy after your child feels well again.
Follow-up care
Serious cases of IDA call for careful follow-up. Some kids may need IV treatments that put iron right into the bloodstream for rapid absorption. In rare cases, a child may need a blood transfusion to reset the body’s iron levels and restore red blood cell counts.
Remember
Routine screening at key ages can help catch low iron levels early, before more serious problems develop. With the right care, most children recover fully and return to feeling their best.
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